MARINE AND ANTARCTIC SCIENCE

(This course is available to students in both Years 9 and 10. It may be selected for either one or both semesters. The content in each semester is different.)

To be successful in this course you need to: • have an interest in biology and environmental sciences.

In this course you will learn about: • explore marine and Antarctic environments, including the biodiversity in these systems • examine marine and Antarctic ecosystems, understanding the interactions between both aquatic plants and animals. • explore physiology of marine flora/fauna, including their specific adaptations that allow them to survive and thrive in their ecosystems. • research the human impacts that are adversely affecting marine and Antarctic environments, such as climate change and pollution, and how we might be able to reverse these effects.

Class activities include: • field studies (e.g., coastal studies, water quality collections, and biodiversity studies of different marine environments) • lab-based investigations, including dissections • independent inquiry • guest speakers and excursions.

This course could lead to: • a pathway towards the TASC subjects Biology 2, Biology 3 and Environmental Sciences 3 • future tertiary studies or careers in marine science fields.